The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office has charged the former president of a volunteer fire company with stealing nearly $5,800 from various fundraisers, or by using the department's credit card to buy gasoline and pizza for himself.

Chester Yurkovic, 56, of Findlay Township, was released after being arraigned on theft charges by District Judge Anthony Saveikis on Monday afternoon.

A criminal complaint indicates Imperial Volunteer Fire Department officials suspected Yurkovic of stealing money he was supposed to deposit. The report said money was missing from several fundraisers including boot drives, bingo, a golf outing and hoagie sales. Yurkovic was immediately suspended when the fire chief noticed the missing cash.

"We were hurt. We trusted the guy," said Imperial Fire Chief Bob Bradburn.

Bradburn said Yurkovic was a member of the volunteer fire department for 16 years, when they discovered the money was missing. He said it was tough turning in a friend, but his community came first.

"We don't want the community to worry about this impacting the funds they give us on fund drives," said Bradburn.

Detectives said Yurkovic stole a total of $5,779 from the fire company between 2011 and when he was suspended as president.